Dr. Nicole Grimes

Dr. Nicole K. Grimes is an award-winning education writer, consultant, educator, entrepreneur, and strategist whose work merges education, leadership development, and culturally-driven entrepreneurship. With over 25 years of experience, Nicole began her journey in the sciences—earning a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University, followed by a Master’s in Secondary Science Education from Columbia University, and ultimately, a Ph.D. in Urban Education from CUNY. She has led classrooms, schools, and national conversations on gender equity and inclusive leadership in STEM, even making history as the first woman of color and lay principal of Dominican Academy in New York City.

As CEO and founder of Carib Biz Network, Nicole has built a vibrant, internationally recognized ecosystem that empowers Caribbean entrepreneurs through curated events, workshops, and brand strategy services. Her platform, which began as a grassroots community initiative, has become a multiple certified M/WBE and a trusted name in the small business development space, especially among creators in the Caribbean diaspora. With its three core values of education, community & marketing, at the helm of CBN, she remains fervently committed to the success of its growing network of 700+ members. She has launched pop-up marketplaces at the Trinidad & Tobago Embassy in DC and throughout NYC—supporting hundreds of founders and helping them find funding, visibility, and scalable growth.

Nicole’s work has been featured in Forbes, Fox 5 NY and The Guardian T&T. She’s been honored by the NYC Council, Seeds of Fortune, and I Am Cultured for her contributions to education and entrepreneurship. She continues to advise institutions and small businesses on organizational leadership, scaling tactics, AI in schools, and strategic DEI practices. Dr. Grimes is known for her ability to connect vision with action, whether through workshops, panels, or creative campaigns. Her career is a masterclass in legacy-building, and her mission is unapologetically focused on expanding access to opportunity and amplifying the brilliance of Caribbean people and communities.